zalinski



2 Sheets- Sheet 1..

(No Model.)

B. ZALENSKI.

SHELL. No. 884,660. Patented June 19, 1888.

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-S'heet 2.

E. L. ZALINSKI.

SHELL. v

No. 384,660. Patented June 19, 1888.

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Nrrn' *ra'rns arena Fries.

" EDMUND L. ZALINSKI, OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

SHELL.

' SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 38%,660, dated June19,1888. Application filed October 25, 1887. Serial No. 253,297. (Nomodel.)

To aZZ. whom it may concern.- 1

Be it known that I, EDMUND L. ZALINSKI,

lieutenant of artillery, United States Army,

. stationed at Fort Hamilton, in the State of some minor modificationsin the structure of the shell to adapt it for the ready reception of thefuse and its connection s.-

The-invention is adevelo'pment of and improvement on electrical fusesand projectiles heretofore invented by me. I

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional diagram on a small scale, showingthe general relation of the batteries, circuit-breakers, andcircuitclosing devices. It will be understood, however, that thelocation of parts may be changed without departing from the spirit of myinvention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation ofone of my firing-primers withcircuit-breaker attachment, the circuits being open. Fig. 3 is acentrallongitudinal section of the same through the firing-chargesthatis, on line as, Fig. 4- the circuits being closed. Fig. 4 is an end viewof the plunger, showing the wire connections to the firing-charges ofthe primer. Fig. 5 is a section on the line a: 0:, Figs. 2, 3. Fig. 6 isa section of the parts a b on the line y y, Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a rear endviewof the part 0, Figs. 2, 3. Fig. 8 is an elevation of the dry-batterycasing. Fig. 9 is a longitudinalsection of said casing and its batteriesand protecting-cap. Fig. 10 is a partial section of the front end of adry battery with frangible cover. Fig. 11 is aside elevationof the bodyof a projectile and. part of a guiding-tail. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectionof the projectiles, showing interior ribs. v

The letter A is used to designate the body of the shell, which containsdynamite or other high explosive. B indicates an electric battery, and Gdenotes-a circuit-breaker and fuse or firing part, which will bedescribed herein-' after. I Beginning at the front of theattachment G,

the numeral 1 indicates a hollow cylinder of annmber of insulatedelectric Wiresdd. There is a central passage, 2, in the cylinder 1, andthe periphery of the cylinder is provided with a screw-thread or othermeans of attachment to a socket in the interior of the shell A. A shortcylinder or disk, c','of rubber or other noncondncting material, retainsthe ends of all the wires d, and'th'e wires terminate in split knobs 3of metal," so that electrical con- 'nection can be readily made throughthe knobs and wires. The part1 is in metallic connection with someportion of the body of the shell, which serves as a ground for any orall of theelectriccircuits-where found convenient. Y I

The split knobs 3 andtheir wire-connections may be in any convenientnumber and connected to as many different electric batteries as foundconvenient or desirable. I, prefer to use at least two wet batteries andone or more dry batteries, so that the chances of failure by thenon-actioln of a batteryyvill be minimized.- The short cylind b is ofrubber or similar material, centaini g a metallic cup, 4, opposite eachbf the split knobs 3. When this cylinder is moved into the positionshown in Fig. 6,the cups 4 will receive the'split knobs or pins 3,giving a close metallic contact. The split knobs, when pushed into thesecups, will snugly fit by reason of the slight compression of the knobs.

Each cup 4is connected by aninsula'ted wire with a platinum or similarbridge, 5,'inclosed within an explosive or combustible charge, 6,

and the returnwire'7 from the bridge is con- '-'Inected to post 8,whichpreferably extends for- "1 Ward from the face of the rubber cylinder 6.

When the parts are brought into the position metal, which has groovesinits sides to receive shown in Fig. 6, it will be seen that there is Imetallic connection from the insulated wires d, held by cylinder1,:through pins 3, cups 4, platinum bridges 5,and return-wires and post80 to the metal of cylinder 1, with which post v wires (1 cannot reachthe platinum bridges to ignite the powder.

The powder composition,6,is in contact with a disk, a, having aslowburningpowder composition in arc-shaped grooves 8 in its face. Thedisk a may be turned on the tube 9, which tube forms the axis of thedisk. The disk a is clamped between the cylinder [1 and the head c ofplunger by turning up the screw 10 on tube 9. The fire communicated tothe powder in grooves 8 will burn along said grooves a greaterorlessdistance accordingtothe position of the disk with reference to theprimers in cylinder b. When the tire reaches radial grooves 11, it willpass along said grooves into the interior of tube S) through small holestherein, and along said tube for any required distance. The tube 1) ispreferably filled with fulminate, and may project forward anydistance,through aperture 2, into the charge in the body of the shell.()ne of the primers, 6, is placed in tube 9, and this primer isconnected with abattery which is intended to operate without delayaction, and will be thrown into circuit to tire instantaneously withoutdelay action.

The fusecasing 0 screws into a socket or receptacle in the base of theshell. (See A, Fig. 3. A part of the casing forms a cylinder, 20, inwhich thcreis a piston, 21, rigidly secured to the piston-rod 22, whichrod 22 supports the plungenhead c and the parts a b. A strong spring,23', interposed between cylinderhead2-1 and the head 0, tends to presssaid head and attachments forward toward the piece 0, carrying the wireterminals and so close circuit. This action of the spring 23 isprevented until the projectile leaves the gun by means of thecollar 25,having springarms 26, which.

collar is placed around the piston-rod 22 in rear of the rearcylimler-hetul, 27, the springarms 2.6 being held in an undercut groovein the knob '28 at the rear end of the piston-rod 22.

The cylinder has a number of apertures, 29. in front of the piston 21.It being supposed that the dete-nt spring-arms are in the positionshownin Fig. 2, the spring 28 being somewhat compressed, we will supposethe projectile to be tired from the gun. The conipressed air or gas usedin firing (either in a pneumatic or other gun) enters the apertures 29and forces back the piston 2i, compressing the spring 23 still more.This backward movement permits the spring-arms 26 to release themselvesfrom knob 28. (See dotted lines, Fig. 2, and fulllines, Fig. 3.) As longas the compressed gas holds the piston and its rod back thecircuits-will remain open; but when the projectile leaves the gun thegas will escape from cylinder 20, and the sprin r 23b0- ing .now free toact will press the plan "c' e forward and close all the circuits at therear of the projectile. This, however, does not fire the charge, butonly puts the parts in firing position. The circuit-breaker described isa safety device to prevent premature explosions. One or more sensitivebatteries, B, in the base hf the projectile, (butlDStll3ltCd,)ll8SCOl1l1CC* tion with a wire, d, and a metallicconnection, 30, with a plate or diaphragm, 31, a little in rear of theouter point, 32, of the projectile, but insulated from the body of theprojectile. The outer shell, 32, is in metallic connection with the part2 of the circuit-closer. Assam ing the circuits to be closed at therear, when the point of the projectile strikes a solid substance thepoint 32 will'be collapsed and will. then come in contact with the plate31, thus closing circuit at the front and throwing the battery B intoinstant action. This battery 13 will be in connection with a wireleading to the platinum bridge in primer 6-, so that the explosion takesplace instantly.

If the projectile falls into the water,the concussion is not greatenough to collapse the point ot'the shell and the battery B does notignite the charge. It is desirable that the projectile shall have timeto enter the water some distance, so as to get beneath a hostile ship,before the explosion takes place. For this purpose one or moredelay-action batteriesin casings B will be provided. Preferably therewill be such a battery in the point and. in the base of the shell. Thebattery-casing B is screwed into a socket in the base or point of theshell. The pole 35 of the battery is insulated from the casing, and isconnected to one of the wires (1, hereinbefore referred. to.'

The battery proper consists, preferably, of a number or series of cellseach cell being a complete battery in itself. The cell 3d has oneelement connected by a split post, 37,with a cup, 38, connected to thepole 35, out insu lated by the rubber disk 39 from the casing 15. Thecell 36 is a complete sensitized battery, but is insulated by the disk40 from the cell 41, one element of the cell 36 being connected to theproper element in said cell 41 by a metallic connection through theinsulating disk 40. 1 y

The battery element ill-Cell 41 is dryand incapable of action until wet.This dry cell, being in connection with the active cell 35,

through cell 41. When water is admitted to cell 41, however, it makesthe cell 41 an active battery and throws into the circuit the battery36, thus getting a large battery-power by sensitizing only one cell.This multipli' cation of batteries may be carried to any extent, onecell only being left unsensitized, and all the cells will be thrown intoaction when this one is sensitized by wetting.

The casing B has a head, 42, provided with diaphragnis 43 points,so thatthe water rushing into the holes in diaphragm 44 will be broken up onplate t3, and will not enter the battery-cell as a direct jet with suchforce as to do injury to the with holes out of register may ,be carriedto a greater extent, so that the water-jet shall be broken up as-much asnecessary.

serves as a circuit-breaker .therefor, the hattery 36 having noconnect-ion to ground save- 44, perforated at ditTerent mechanism. Thisarrangement of diaphragms ficient to throw off the cup 45 when thehooksare detached.

The cup or cap is placed on the casing B before the battery is seated inthe base of the shell. When the gas-pressure comes on said cap it ispressed forward,and thespring-hooks 47 spring out into the positionshown in dot-ted linesr'j Then when the projectile leaves the gun thecap will fly oifpr be forced off by the spring and gasket, leaving theholes open for the entrance of water. Until that time the cup protectsthe battery from absorbing moisturc, either from the air or from waterwhich may be mixed with'the air used in firing a pneumatic gun.

Another form of cover for the dry battery at the front of the shell isshown in Fig. 10. In this modification, 51 represents a ring or annularhearing at the front of the batteryease. On the front partition of thecase there is a knifeedge or cutter, 53. A rubber diaphragm, 52, isstretched over the annular bearing and suitably secured to thebatterycasing. When the projectile strikes in the water, this rubberdiaphragm will be pressed back against the knife-edge and perforated,and the water will be allowed to enter the battery-casing to sensitizethe battery. The diaphragm 52 may be of glass.

The body of the projectile A will have interior longitudinal ribs, 60,attached firmly by rivets or by casting with the metal. As many of theseribs may be. used as found desirable. The ribs will serve .the doublepurpose of protecting the wires which extend forward in the shell, andwill hold the charge of the shell against rotation.

Thefront part of the shell may be weighted, when found necessary, by'alead or similar weight, 59, to place the center of gravity of the'wholein the right position. The front of the projectile may also be filledwith some soft substance, 58-as cottonto act as a cushion and preventexplosion of the dynamite or gelatine in the shellby impact, as I havediscovered that such explosion is much less destructive than when thecharge is fired hya dctonator from therear.

The leaden weight 59 will be melted by the heat of the concussion andwill not serve as an'obstruction to the action of the explosive charge.

The movable part of the fuse, by which de' lay action is had, will be,provided with an index, so that the time of combustion may bedefinitely regulated.

I have made numerous modifications of my devicesabove described, and donot consider the invention to be in precise details of 'construction. Ihave used several devices by which the air-pressure in the gun isenabled to hold 'the circuit open until the projectile leaves the gun. Ihave also used several other devices to protect the chemicals in thefuse from water until fired from the gun, which are probably theequivalents of the constructions above de scribed.

It will be understood that all the batteries and circuitbreakers abovedescribed are adapted for use in a single shell,and can be so used.Nevertheless, T desire to claim. such parts as may be operative in ashell if taken separately.

Having thus described my invention,what I claim is- V 1. 'In' a shell,an electric battery, metallic connections from said battery to a primerof the character described, and a'plunger connected to the'primeroperated by gas-pressure in the bore of the gun when the gun isdischarged to hold the primer out of circuit with the battery while theprojectile is in the gun.

2. In a shell, an electric battery, a metallic connection extending fromsaid battery, a primer, a plunger carrying said primer, and a detentwhich holds theprimer out of circuit until released by the action. ofthe gas-press u're in the gun.

In a shell, an electric battery, aprimcr- ,in circuit to be ignitedthereby, andanad justable column of slowburning compound connecting saidprimer with the explosive charge.

4. In a shellv having an electric fuse, a circuit-breaker having amovable plunger, a piston on said plunger, and a cylinder containingsaid piston to which cylinder gas is admitted to force back the plunger,as set forth.

5. In a shell, an electric battery, metallic connections therefrom, aspring-plunger carrying primers having a path of movement toward thebattery-connections, and a detent for said plunger, which detent isreleased by the gas-pressure in the'bore of the gun when thepiece isdischarged.

6. An explosive shell, an electric fuse there for, a metallic connectionfrom said fuse to a front insulated portion of the shell, andacollapsible shield or point in metallic connection with the body of theshell, whereby the colrio lapse of the point will close circuit, as set.

forth.

each primer, and a single electric connection whereby all the circnfitsare grounded in the wall of the shell, all in. combination,substantially as described.

- 10. In a shell-fuse, the combination, with a. battery inclosed in acasing, of a plurality of partitions between the battery and outeropening in the casing, said partitions having perforations out of linewith each other, as set forth.

11. In a shell-fusaan electric battery provided with a perforatedpartition, a cover outside of said partition, and retaining-catches forsaid cover adapted for release by the gasp'ressure in the gun.

12. In a shell having an electric fuse, a detachablecircuit-breakerwhich moves aprimer carried thereby into circuit with the battery, and adetonator in position to be ignited from the primer, said detonatorremovably attached to the circuit-breaker, in combination substantiallyas described.

13. In a shell of the character described, a

circuit-breaker in position to move and close the electric circuit,aprimer and a detonator, and a delay-action fuse having a connectionwith the circuit breaker interposed between the primer and detonator,ali combined as stated.

p 14. In a shell having an electric fuse, an electric battery and aprimer, and suitable electric connections between the same,substantially as described, a spring circuit breaker and closer, thespring tending normally to close circuit between the battery and primer,but being forced back by the gas from the propelling charge while undersuch pressure in the gun, the combination being and'operatingsubstantially as described.

15. In a shell having an electric fuse, a circuit breaking and closingplunger, a spring for forcing the same to closed position, a 'detent.

operating to hold the spring compressed, and connections to the gascharge, whereby the plunger is held'back against the spring-press urewhile the projectile is in the gun, suhstantially as described.

16. In a shell, a fuse containing a chemical which will be thrown intochemical action by the entrance of water, a cover for said fuse, a

holder on the shell retaining said cover in place while the shellisin'the gun, and mech' anism connected with-.the 'shell forautomatically opening the cover after the shellleaves the gun, combinedsubstantially as described.

17. Ashell havingafuse containing achemical which is made active by theentrance of water, a cover for said fuse,-and mechanism on the shell forrupturing said cover by impact with water.

18. The combination, in a shell-fuse and connected to the primerthereotof a sensitized and a nonsensitized battery, the latter form ingpart of the circuit of the former, as set forth.

19. In a shell; fuse, a metallic casing having a pluralityofclectricbatteries or cells inclosed, one cell or battery beingnon-sensitized, but adapted to be thrown into operation by. the entranceof water, said non sensitized battery forming part of the circuit anduntil made active serving as a circuit-breaker to the other batteries orcells.

, In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of twowitnesses.

EDMUND L. ZALINSKI.

\Vitne'sses:

JOHN J. GRIFFIN, ST'ANLEY DWIGHT.

